Spurs vs. Lakers NBA expert prediction and odds for Friday, Feb. 23 (Take San Antonio as a big underdog)

The Spurs are in the cellar of the Western Conference at 11-45 but had some fight in Thursday’s 127-122 loss to the Sacramento Kings. San Antonio’s previous five losses were all by double digits and have been tough against the Lakers in two matchups from December heading into Friday’s tilt at Crypto.com Arena. 

The Lakers are No. 9 in the Western Conference right now and are trying to climb into the top-8 conversation, trailing the Dallas Mavericks by 3.5 games. The Lakers won three in a row leading up to the All-Star break but opened the second half of the season with an 18-point loss at Golden State on Thursday. Can they bounce back against the Spurs?

Here’s the betting preview for Friday’s Western Conference tilt with a best bet. 

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Spurs vs. Lakers odds, spread and total

Spurs vs. Lakers how to watch

• Date: Friday, Feb. 23 
• Game time: 10:30 p.m. EST
• Venue: Crypto.com Arena
• How to watch (TV): Bally Sports
• Spurs record: 11-45
• Lakers record: 30-27

Spurs vs. Lakers injury report

San Antonio Spurs

• No injuries to report

Los Angeles Lakers

• LeBron James (ankle): questionable

Spurs vs. Lakers key players to watch

Spurs

Victor Wembanyama: For a team that’s in last place in the Western Conference, Wembanyama has been the bright spot. The No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft has lived up to the hype so far this season and is an overwhelming favorite (-835) to be named the NBA Rookie of the Year. The 7-foot-4 center is averaging 20.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in February and had scored 20-plus in three consecutive games ahead of the All-Star break. Wembanyama had 19 points and 13 rebounds in Thursday’s loss to the Kings. 

Lakers

Anthony Davis: In a matchup with Wembanyama, the Lakers’ big man gets the spotlight. Davis opened the second half of the regular season with a 27-point, 15-rebound double-double in Thursday’s loss to Golden State. Davis shot 11-of-19 from the field and has averaged 27 points over the last six games. Davis is third in the NBA in rebounds and top-15 in scoring. 

Spurs vs. Lakers prediction and pick

These two teams met twice over a three-day span in Texas in December with the Lakers winning the first matchup, 122-119, and the Spurs getting revenge in the rematch, 129-115. Wembanyama was terrific down low for the Spurst in those contests, combining for 43 points and 28 rebounds while Devin Vassell exploded for 49 points.

Vassell, who had 32 points in Thursday’s loss to Sacramento, is still part of a formidable 1-2 punch for the Spurs against a Lakers defense that is middle of the road in points in the paint (No. 17) and 28th in allowing second-chance points. Los Angeles is 23rd in the NBA in defensive scoring. The Lakers offense has been better scoring on the road than at home, too. 

The Lakers have a short turnaround after Thursday’s loss to Golden State. Los Angeles is just 3-7 ATS with no rest this season. Take the Spurs as a big road underdog. 

Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.